A proposal to conduct the MDCAT exam twice a year instead of once has come under discussion in a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services.
According to details, the subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health expressed serious concerns over medical education, MDCAT examinations, and vacant seats in medical and dental colleges. The committee called for an immediate review of existing policies.
During the meeting chaired by Senator Anusha Rahman, members suggested that the MDCAT exam should be held twice a year instead of a single annual session to provide better opportunities for students.
Senator Anusha Rahman said that young people in Pakistan are facing a lack of adequate educational opportunities at home, while also finding it difficult to pursue studies abroad.
The committee noted that despite spending billions on medical education, employment opportunities for graduates remain limited. Members also raised concerns over the gap between high tuition fees charged by private medical colleges and the relatively low salaries offered to graduates.
They observed that students who invest heavily in medical education cannot reasonably accept starting salaries as low as Rs25,000 per month.
Concerns were also raised over the international recognition of dental degrees, while members proposed forming a separate committee to address the issues faced by doctors and students.
The subcommittee directed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to present its recommendations in the upcoming council meeting.
It was also decided to invite vice chancellors and student representatives to the next meeting to hear all viewpoints in detail.
The committee stressed the need to review vacant seats in medical and dental colleges, improve policy transparency, and introduce urgent reforms in the medical education system.
Members further expressed concern that disagreements between provinces and PMDC over medical education policies are increasing problems for students.
The committee agreed to take all stakeholders on board to resolve student issues and improve the overall medical education system.
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